separated, but not at birth

[satchel]

I am not normally a gawker, but this story really caught my attention - conjoined twins to undergo surgery (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/12/health/main558452.shtml)

They are 29 years old, and doctors estimate each has only a 50-50 chance of coming through the surgery alive and with brain function intact. I take that 50-50 to really mean "we have absolutely no idea what their chances are." But they are tired of sharing every moment of their lives, so they are going to give it a shot.

I can't imagine what it must be like to live as they have, so here's hoping they make it.

[Craig S.]

I don't blame them for taking the 50-50 chance on it. I can't even imagine what it's like to live like that, never being your own person.

I hope they both make it, and get the chance to lead a full life. After 29 years like that, they certainly deserve the opportunity.

[pwdennis]

Originally posted by Craig S.
I don't blame them for taking the 50-50 chance on it. I can't even imagine what it's like to live like that, never being your own person.

I hope they both make it, and get the chance to lead a full life. After 29 years like that, they certainly deserve the opportunity.

Amen

[Molechaser]

I agree. I had a couple friends in high school who were just regular (i.e., non-conjoined) twins, and even they couldn't be their own people. They were always referred to as a single entity; the lack of individuality was enough to cause one of them to spend most of a school year in a mental hospital. I can't imagine what it would be like to take that situation up another level and deal with all the same problems plus the strain of never being separated, even for a moment, from your sibling.

Here's hoping they both pull through.

[satchel]

The surgery is underway. (http://www.sunspot.net/news/health/bal-te.twins07jul07,0,1406193.story?coll=bal-health-headlines) According to the article in that link, doctors took a piece of blood vessel from the leg of one of the sisters to replace the shared blood vessel that has to be severed. Then they repositioned the sisters for better access to their heads, and began the arduous process of accessing and cutting the shared portion of skull.

This is an incredible story. I hope they both survive, and survive meaningfully (i.e. with minimal brain damage).

[sweaver]

The brains are fundamentally separate, but share some blood vessels. It's up to the vascular surgeons and neurosurgeons.

Light a candle, or the equivalent of your belief system.

[satchel]

No happy ending today. Both women died. (http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030708.utwins0708_2/BNStory/International/)

[Wolf Hopper]

These ladies should a lot of courage for trying this. Anyone who is willing to risk their life over an attempt at something like this is gutsie. I feel bad, not only for them, but for those involved in the procedure. They must feel terrible.